Donald R. "Don" Grubius

Donald "Don" R. Grubius, age 91, of Richland, MI passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. He was born in Woodland, MI on September 13, 1930 the son of Ralph and Beula (Barnum) Grubius. Don graduated from Richland High School and faithfully served his country as a member of the United States Naval Reserve. He retired from Consumers Power Company in 1990 after 40 years and then went on to serve as a starter and ranger at Gull Lake View Golf Course for 27 years where he thoroughly enjoyed socializing with all the golfers and staff.

Don was very involved in Little League Baseball. He was responsible for building the original ball diamonds at Richland Park, serving as the Little League Commissioner and coach for 10 years. He also coached Donna's fast-pitch traveling softball team for 4 years. Don was active with the Zion Lutheran Church in Kalamazoo and played on their men's fast-pitch softball team for several years. He loved bowling and small game hunting. Don and Donna spent 25 winters at Sun N Lakes in Sebring, Florida playing golf, relaxing and socializing. Don would often entertain their group of friends with his musical talents playing his keyboard, harmonica, saxophone and accordion. With their love of music and dancing they enjoyed many cruise ship adventures around the world.


Don was united in marriage to Donna L. Reed at the Zion Lutheran Church, Kalamazoo on August 31, 1950. She sadly preceded him in death on October 28, 2020. Surviving are his son Randall L. (Paula) Grubius, his daughter-in-law Ellen Grubius, five precious grandchildren, Kristen L. (Troy) Buerger, Brian R. (Kristina) Grubius, Emily A. (Jon) Lawrence, Adam C. (Lauren) Grubius and Carrie E. (Wesley) Trimpe and eight great grandchildren. Don was also preceded in death by his son Dennis W. Grubius at the early age of 48 on October 25, 1999.

A visitation will be held 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Friday, April 29th at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89) Richland. Services to celebrate Don's life will begin at 12:00 p.m. Interment with military honors will follow at Prairie Home Cemetery, Richland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Don's honor may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter, 200 Turwill Lane, Suite 6, Kalamazoo, MI 49006. Personal messages and/or favorite memories of Don may be placed at: www.farleyestesdowdle.com